DIY PROJECT NEED – MORE STORAGE IN THE LIVING ROOM
Storage in the living room is a must. Our living room is used for all sorts of activities, not just watching TV. Consequently, I really needed a place to store games, books, workout accessories, and electronics. Since we have an open concept main floor, I wanted the items organized but not visible.
Yes, we have a game room downstairs. Yes, we have a designated exercise area. Yes, we have a charging station for electronics. Yes, there are already book shelves for hardback books. However, I also know our daily habits. I know our go-to family games. I know that sometimes I need to watch dinner while squeezing in a quick pilates workout. I know that the boys often use their computers for homework in the living room rather than the study desk upstairs. Designating storage to match your habits is key to conquering clutter! You can find out more on how to store items based on traffic patterns by getting access to the Style Library resource guide.
FORM AND FUNCTION STORAGE SOLUTION – REPURPOSED FURNITURE
While designing the house and choosing materials, I knew that we were going to be using nearly all of our existing furniture. Therefore, I made a point of choosing materials that had a variation of wood tones. This was critical in repurposing furniture into a new space while maintaining continuity.
For instance, when we first moved into our house we did not have a designated guest room. The guest furniture from the previous house was solid wood and in very good condition even after 13 years. The dresser was a perfect repurpose to a sofa table. First, the sofa table allowed some vertical height with décor in the middle of the space between our living room and hearth room. In an open space, delineation with furniture is key and accessories can help. Second, it provided all of the storage I needed for easy access while out of sight. As a bonus, I now have a large wood framed mirror to work with somewhere else!
This repurposed furniture with storage got an update with some decorative ceramic knobs from World Market (not an affiliate) to enhance the Global style throughout our home. Since it is mostly viewed from the living room, I’m still toying with the idea of a barely-there Indian motif stenciled in white along the sides and top similar to the glue stencil design used for these updated lamps.
SIMPLE WOOD DRESSER ADAPTED TO INDUSTRIAL STYLE
As a result of the Prairie/Craftsman/Mission style to our home we have a lot of warm wood tones in our materials and furniture. But changing this dresser to a more industrial style is easier than you might think. Certainly, painting or staining the dresser a cool grey is a quick start and has a large impact. However, changing materials and adding embellishments like using old gears for knob plates along with metal knobs takes it farther. These are great items to look for in flea markets or even on-line somewhere like Etsy (nope, not an affiliate) and the more worn, the better.
Curious as to how I’ve incorporated Global design accents into our Prairie home? Check out this post for some great wall décor examples!
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